Systems and methods for a vacuum insulated panel

ABSTRACT

A vacuum insulated panel is disclosed herein. According to an embodiment, the vacuum insulated panel may include a frame having a first side and a second side. The vacuum insulated panel also may include a first convex sheet positioned about the first side of the frame and a second convex sheet positioned about the second side of the frame. Moreover, the vacuum insulated panel may include a cavity formed between the first convex sheet and the second convex sheet. Further, the vacuum insulated panel may include a vacuum formed within the cavity. The vacuum may be configured to at least partially flatten the first convex sheet and the second convex sheet into a substantially parallel planar configuration.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The disclosure claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 61/833,160, filed Jun. 10, 2013, which is herebyincorporated by reference in its entirety. The disclosure also claimspriority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.61/833,158, filed Jun. 10, 2013, which is hereby incorporated byreference in its entirety. In addition, the disclosure claims priorityto and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/919,946, filedDecember 23, 2013, which is hereby incorporated by reference in itsentirety.

FIELD

The disclosure generally relates to a vacuum insulated panel and moreparticularly relates to a vacuum insulated panel including one or moreconvex sheets configured to be flattened when a vacuum is appliedthereto. The disclosure also generally relates to a cooler assembly andmore particularly relates to a cooler assembly including a screen.

BACKGROUND

Typical vacuum insulated panels may include a frame configured tosupport two opposing sheets. For example, two glass sheets of relativelythe same size and the same shape may be spaced apart from each other bythe frame. The frame and the opposing glass sheets may collectively forman air tight cavity within the interstitial space between the opposingglass sheets. In order to increase the thermal properties of the vacuuminsulated glass panel, a vacuum may be created between the opposingglass sheets. The vacuum between the opposing glass sheets, however, maytend to draw the opposing glass sheets inward towards each other in abiconcave manner. In order to prevent the opposing glass sheets fromcollapsing in on the cavity and/or touching, one or more spacers may bepositioned between the opposing glass sheets within the cavity. Thespacers, however, may create pathways for heat to travel between theopposing glass sheets, thereby reducing the overall thermal propertiesof the vacuum insulated glass panel.

A typical cooler assembly may include a transparent door that enablesconsumers to view the contents of the cooler assembly when the door isclosed. The door generally may have higher thermal conductivity ascompared to other portions of the cooler assembly. In this manner, themajority of heat transfer between the cooler assembly and thesurrounding environment may occur at the door, even when the door isclosed. The more heat transfer that occurs at the door, the more energythat is required to maintain the cooler assembly at a desiredtemperature.

Cooler assemblies typically operate all day long. That is, a typicalcooler assembly may be powered on for 24 hours a day. Many stores,however, may only be open for a portion of the day, such as 8-12 hours.Nevertheless, it may not be feasible to power down the cooler assemblywhen the store is closed because many products required constantrefrigeration. When the store is closed, heat transfer through the doormay be particularly inefficient as no customers are present.

SUMMARY

Some or all of the above needs and/or problems may be addressed bycertain embodiments of the vacuum insulated panel disclosed herein.According to an embodiment, the vacuum insulated panel may include aframe having a first side and a second side. The vacuum insulated panelalso may include a first convex sheet positioned about the first side ofthe frame and a second convex sheet positioned about the second side ofthe frame. Moreover, the vacuum insulated panel may include a cavityformed between the first convex sheet and the second convex sheet.Further, the vacuum insulated panel may include a vacuum formed withinthe cavity. The vacuum may be configured to at least partially flattenthe first convex sheet and the second convex sheet into a substantiallyparallel planar configuration.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The detailed description is set forth with reference to the accompanyingdrawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale. The use of the samereference numerals may indicate similar or identical items. Variousembodiments may utilize elements and/or components other than thoseillustrated in the drawings, and some elements and/or components may notbe present in various embodiments. Throughout this disclosure, dependingon the context, singular and plural terminology may be usedinterchangeably.

FIG. 1 schematically depicts a perspective view of a cooler assembly inaccordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 2 schematically depicts a cross sectional view of a vacuuminsulated panel in accordance with one or more embodiments of thedisclosure.

FIG. 3 schematically depicts a cross sectional view of a vacuuminsulated panel in accordance with one or more embodiments of thedisclosure.

FIG. 4 schematically depicts a cross sectional view of a spacer inaccordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 5 schematically depicts a cross sectional view of a spacer inaccordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 6 schematically depicts a cross sectional view of a spacer inaccordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 7 schematically depicts a sectional perspective view of a spacerassembly in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 8 schematically depicts a perspective view of a cooler assembly inaccordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 9 schematically depicts a side view of a cooler assembly inaccordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 10 schematically depicts a side view of a cooler assembly inaccordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 11 schematically depicts a side view of a cooler assembly inaccordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 12 schematically depicts a side view of a cooler assembly inaccordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 13 schematically depicts a side view of a cooler assembly inaccordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 14 schematically depicts a side view of a cooler assembly inaccordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 15 schematically depicts a side view of a cooler assembly inaccordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 16 schematically depicts a perspective view of a cooler assembly inaccordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 17 schematically depicts a side view of the screen in accordancewith one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A vacuum insulated panel is disclosed herein. In some instances, thevacuum insulated panel may form the door of a cooler assembly, such as abeverage cooler in a retail setting or the like. Other types of coolersand/or items may be used herein, including perishable items, products,promotional items, or the like. Any item where a temperature controlledsetting is desirable may be stored within the cooler. Moreover, thevacuum insulated panel may form other portions of the cooler assembly,such as a side panel, a rear panel, a top panel, and/or a bottom panel,etc. The vacuum insulated panel may be configured to provide a heattransfer barrier and/or obstruction between two or more spaces. Forexample, the vacuum insulated panel may be configured to prevent and/orsubstantially reduce the heat transfer between the interior of thebeverage cooler and the surrounding environment.

In certain embodiments, the vacuum insulated panel may include one ormore convex sheets configured to be flattened into a parallel planarconfiguration when a vacuum is applied thereto. The vacuum insulatedpanel may provide a number of technical advantages. For example, thevacuum insulated panel may be assembled without the use of spacers (orwith a reduced number of spacers) disposed between the convex sheets.The absence or reduction in the use of spacers may eliminate and/orreduce the number of pathways for heat to travel between the convexsheets. By eliminating and/or reducing the number pathways for heat totravel between the convex sheets, the overall thermal properties of thevacuum insulated panel may be increased. Other technical advantages maybecome apparent throughout the disclosure.

According to an embodiment, the vacuum insulated panel may include aframe having a first side and a second side. The vacuum insulated panelalso may include a first convex sheet positioned about the first side ofthe frame and a second convex sheet positioned about the second side ofthe frame. In this manner, the first convex sheet may oppose the secondconvex sheet. The frame may be any suitable material and/orconfiguration for the attachment of the first convex sheet and thesecond convex sheet thereto. The first convex sheet and the secondconvex sheet may be spaced apart from each other by the frame. In someinstances, the first convex sheet and the second convex sheet may besubstantially the same size and the same shape. In certain embodiments,the frame, the first convex sheet, and the second convex sheet mayinitially form a generally biconvex silhouette when assembled. In otherinstances, the vacuum insulated panel may include a single convex sheet.For example, one of the sheets may be convex and the other sheet may beplanar, thereby initially forming a generally plano-convex silhouettewhen assembled.

In certain embodiments, the vacuum insulated panel may include a cavityformed between the first convex sheet and the second convex sheet. Insome instances, the frame, the first convex sheet, and the second convexsheet may collectively form a hermetic seal about the cavity. Forexample, the frame, the first convex sheet, and the second convex sheetmay be interconnected by one or more seals, joints, or combinationsthereof so as to create an air tight cavity therebetween. In thismanner, the vacuum insulated panel may include a vacuum formed withinthe air tight cavity. The vacuum may be configured to at least partiallyflatten the first convex sheet and the second convex sheet into asubstantially parallel planar configuration.

In certain embodiments, the first convex sheet and the second convexsheet may be pre-formed. That is, the first convex sheet and the secondconvex sheet may include a predetermined or prefabricated arch or curve.In this manner, the first convex sheet and the second convex sheet mayinitially include a generally arcuate shape before the vacuum is appliedthereto. The curvature of the first convex sheet and the second convexsheet may vary depending on a number of parameters. By way of example,the parameters for determining the curvature of the first convex sheetand the second convex sheet may include the strength of the materialused to construct the sheets and/or frame, the overall size of thevacuum insulated panel, the size of the cavity, the strength of thevacuum, and/or the strength of the seals and/or joints formed betweenthe frame and sheets, etc. Any number of parameters may be taken intoaccount to determine the curvature of the first convex sheet and thesecond convex sheet.

In some instances, the first convex sheet may be a glass sheet, aplastic sheet, or a combination thereof. Similarly, the second convexsheet may be a glass sheet, a plastic sheet, or a combination thereof.For example, as noted above, the vacuum insulated panel may form thedoor of a cooler, such as a beverage cooler in a retail setting. In thismanner, the vacuum insulated panel may be at least partially transparentso that a customer can see the contents of the cooler when the door isclosed. Other types of materials or combinations of materials may alsobe used.

In certain embodiments, the vacuum insulated panel may include at leastone access port. In some instances, the access port may be associatedwith the frame, the first convex sheet, the second convex sheet, or acombination thereof. The access port may be configured to provide accessto the cavity. For example, a pump or the like may be in communicationwith the access port so as to create the vacuum within the cavity. Oncethe vacuum has been created within the cavity, the pump may be removedfrom the access port and the access port may be temporarily orpermanently sealed closed.

These and other embodiments of the disclosure will be described in moredetail through reference to the accompanying drawings in the detaileddescription that follows. This brief introduction, including sectiontitles and corresponding summaries, is provided for the reader'sconvenience and is not intended to limit the scope of the claims, northe proceeding sections. Furthermore, the techniques described above andbelow may be implemented in a number of ways and in a number ofcontexts. Several example implementations and contexts are provided withreference to the following figures, as described below in more detail.However, the following implementations and contexts are but a few ofmany.

FIGS. 1-3 schematically depict one or more example systems and methodsfor a vacuum insulated panel including one or more convex sheetsconfigured to be flattened into a parallel planar configuration when avacuum is applied thereto in accordance with one or more embodiments ofthe disclosure. Specifically, FIG. 1 schematically depicts an exampleembodiment of a cooler assembly 100 as may be used herein. In someinstances, the cooler assembly 100 may be a beverage cooler located in aretail setting, such as a convenience store, a grocery store, or thelike. Other types of cooler assemblies may also be used herein,including a table top cooler assembly, a walk-in cooler assembly, a freestanding cooler assembly, an integral cooler assembly, a modular coolerassembly, or the like. Moreover, other types of items may be storedwithin the cooler assembly 100, including perishable items, products,promotional items, or the like. Any item where a temperature controlledsetting is desirable may be stored within the cooler assembly 100. Inaddition, heating elements may be used herein. That is, the coolerassembly 100 may heat and/or cool items therein.

The cooler assembly 100 may include a vacuum insulated panel 102. Insome instances, the vacuum insulated panel 102 may form a door foraccessing the contents of the cooler assembly 100. In this manner, thevacuum insulated panel 102 may be configured to be opened and closed.For example, the vacuum insulated panel 102 may be a hinged door or asliding door, although other types and styles of doors may be usedherein. In some instances, the vacuum insulated panel 102 may include ahandle or the like. A customer may open the vacuum insulated panel 102and remove the contents within the cooler assembly 100, after which theuser may close the vacuum insulated panel 102. In some instances, thevacuum insulated panel 102 may form other portions of the coolerassembly 100, such as a side panel, a rear panel, a top panel, and/or abottom panel, etc. The vacuum insulated panel 102 may be configured toprovide a heat transfer barrier and/or obstruction between two or morespaces. For example, the vacuum insulated panel 102 may be configured toprevent and/or substantially reduce the heat transfer between theinterior of the cooler assembly 100 and the surrounding environment.

FIG. 2 schematically depicts an example embodiment of the vacuuminsulated panel 102 before a vacuum is applied thereto. The vacuuminsulated panel 102 may include a frame 104 having a first side 106 anda second side 108. The vacuum insulated panel 102 also may include afirst convex sheet 110 and a second convex sheet 112. In some instances,the frame 104 may be aluminum, plastic, sheet metal, a combinationthereof, or the like. The frame 104 may be any suitable material. Thefirst convex sheet 110 and the second convex sheet 112 may be a glasssheet, a plastic sheet, a combination thereof, or the like. The firstconvex sheet 110 and the second convex sheet 112 may be any suitablematerial. As noted above, in some instances, the vacuum insulated panel102 may form the door of the cooler assembly 100. In this manner, thevacuum insulated panel 102 may be at least partially transparent so thata customer can see the contents of the cooler assembly 100 when the dooris closed.

In certain embodiments, the first convex sheet 110 may be positionedabout the first side 106 of the frame 104, and the second convex sheet112 may be positioned about the second side 108 of the frame 104. Inthis manner, the first convex sheet 110 may oppose (or face) the secondconvex sheet 112. The frame 104 may be any suitable material and/orconfiguration for the attachment of the first convex sheet 110 and thesecond convex sheet 112 thereto. In some instances, the frame 104 mayextend about the periphery of the first convex sheet 110 and the secondconvex sheet 112. The first convex sheet 110 and the second convex sheet112 may be spaced apart from each other by the frame 104. In someinstances, the first convex sheet 110 and the second convex 112 sheetmay be substantially the same size and the same shape. The nature of thecurvature of the first convex sheet 110 and the second convex 112 sheetmay vary. In certain embodiments, the frame 104, the first convex sheet110, and the second convex sheet 112 may initially form a generallybiconvex silhouette 114 when assembled, as depicted in FIG. 2.

In certain embodiments, the vacuum insulated panel 102 may include acavity 116 formed between the first convex sheet 110 and the secondconvex sheet 112. In some instances, the frame 104, the first convexsheet 110, and the second convex sheet 112 may collectively form ahermetic seal about the cavity 116. For example, the frame 104, thefirst convex sheet 110, and the second convex sheet 112 may beinterconnected by one or more joints 118. The joints 118 may includeseals or the like for creating an air tight seal about the cavity 116.

In certain embodiments, the first convex sheet 110 and the second convexsheet 112 may be pre-formed. That is, the first convex sheet 110 and thesecond convex sheet 112 may include a predetermined or prefabricatedarch or curve. In this manner, as depicted in FIG. 2, the first convexsheet 110 and the second convex sheet 112 may initially include agenerally arcuate shape before a vacuum is applied to the cavity 116.The curvature of the first convex sheet 110 and the second convex sheet112 may vary depending on a number of parameters. By way of example, theparameters for determining the curvature of the first convex sheet 110and the second convex sheet 112 may include the strength of the materialused to construct the first convex sheet 110 and the second convex sheet112 and/or the frame 104, the overall size of the vacuum insulated panel102, the size of the cavity 116, the strength of the vacuum applied tothe cavity 116, and/or the strength of the joints 118 and seals formedbetween the frame 104 and the first convex sheet 110 and the secondconvex sheet 112, etc. Any number of parameters may be taken intoaccount to determine the initial curvature of the first convex sheet 110and the second convex sheet 112. Similarly, any number of parameters maybe taken into account to determine the strength of the vacuum applied tothe cavity 116.

In certain embodiments, the vacuum insulated panel 102 may include atleast one access port 120. In some instances, the access port may beassociated with the frame 104, the first convex sheet 110, the secondconvex sheet 112, or a combination thereof. The access port 120 may beconfigured to provide access to the cavity 116. In some instances, theaccess port 120 may be a valve, such as a one-way valve or the like. Insome instances, a pump 122 or the like may be in communication with theaccess port 120.

FIG. 3 schematically depicts an example embodiment of the vacuuminsulated panel 102 after a vacuum is applied thereto. The vacuuminsulated panel 102 may include a vacuum formed within the air tightcavity 116. For example, the pump 122 may be in communication with theaccess port 120 so as to create the vacuum within the cavity 116. Thevacuum may be configured to at least partially flatten the first convexsheet 110 and the second convex sheet 112 into a substantially parallelplanar configuration. For example, the vacuum created within the cavity116 may tend to draw the first convex sheet 110 and the second convexsheet 112 inward towards each other as indicated by arrows 124. That is,as air is drawn out of the cavity 116 by the pump 124, the first convexsheet 110 and the second convex sheet 112 may move inward towards eachother. Once the vacuum has been created within the cavity 116, the pump122 may be removed from the access port 120, and the access port 120 maybe temporarily or permanently sealed closed.

In some instances, the vacuum insulated panel 102 may be assembledwithout the use of spacers. In other instances, the number of spacersdisposed between the first convex sheet 110 and the second convex sheet112 may be substantially reduced. Any number of spacers may be usedherein. For example, in an embodiment, a single spacer may be positionedabout a center portion of the first convex sheet 110 and the secondconvex sheet 112. In other instances, the spacers may be omitted. Asnoted above, the absence or reduction in the use of spacers mayeliminate and/or reduce the number of pathways for heat to travelbetween the first convex sheet 110 and the second convex sheet 112. Byeliminating and/or reducing the number pathways for heat to travelbetween the first convex sheet 110 and the second convex sheet 112, theoverall thermal properties of the vacuum insulated panel 102 may beincreased.

FIG. 4 schematically depicts a cross sectional view of a spacer 400 inaccordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. In someinstances, the spacer 400 may include a number of spacers. The spacer400 may be positioned between a first sheet 402 and a second sheet 404.The first sheet 402 and the second sheet 404 may oppose (or face) eachother so as to form a cavity 406 therebetween. The first sheet 402and/or the second sheet 404 may initially be convex or substantiallyflat. The spacer 400 may be disposed within the cavity 406 formedbetween the two opposing sheets. The spacer 400 may be disposed at anylocation within the cavity 406. In some instances, the spacer 400 mayinclude at least one rounded side 408 configured to minimize the contactpoint between the first sheet 402. For example, if a vacuum is appliedto the cavity 406, the surface area in contact between the first sheet402 and the rounded tip 408 of the spacer 400 may be less than that of anon-rounded spacer. The rounded configuration of the spacer 400 mayprovide a robust spacer while minimizing the contact are between thespacer 400 and the first sheet 402. In this manner, the pathway createdby the spacer 400 for heat to travel between the first sheet 402 and thesecond sheet 404 may be minimized.

FIG. 5 schematically depicts a cross sectional view of a spacer 500 inaccordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. In someinstances, the spacer 500 may include a number of spacers. The spacer500 may be positioned between a first sheet 502 and a second sheet 504.The first sheet 502 and the second sheet 504 may oppose (or face) eachother so as to form a cavity 506 therebetween. The first sheet 502and/or the second sheet 504 may initially be convex or substantiallyflat. The spacer 500 may be disposed within the cavity 506 formedbetween the two opposing sheets. The spacer 500 may be disposed at anylocation within the cavity 506. In some instances, the spacer 500 may berounded on both sides. For example, if a vacuum is applied to the cavity506, the rounded surface area in contact between the first sheet 402 andthe second sheet 504 may be less than that of a non-rounded spacer. Therounded configuration of the spacer 500 provides a robust spacer whileminimizing contact between the spacer 500 and the first sheet 502 andthe second sheet 504. In this manner, the pathway created by the spacer400 for heat to travel between the first sheet 502 and the second sheet504 may be minimized.

FIG. 6 schematically depicts a cross sectional view of a spacer 600 inaccordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. In someinstances, the spacer 600 may include a number of spacers. The spacer600 may be positioned between a first sheet 602 and a second sheet 604.The first sheet 602 and the second sheet 604 may oppose (or face) eachother so as to form a cavity 606 therebetween. The first sheet 602and/or the second sheet 604 may initially be convex or substantiallyflat. The spacer 600 may be disposed within the cavity 606 formedbetween the two opposing sheets. The spacer 600 may be disposed at anylocation within the cavity 606. In some instances, the spacer 600 mayinclude at least one rounded side 608 configured to minimize the contactpoint between the first sheet 602. In addition, the spacer 600 mayinclude a gap 610 between the rounded side 608 of the spacer 600 and thefirst sheet 602. In certain embodiments, if a vacuum is applied to thecavity 606, the gap 610 between the rounded side 608 of the spacer 600and the first sheet 602 may be closed, and the rounded side 608 of thespacer 600 may contact the first sheet 602. In this manner, the firstsheet 602 may tend to move in a direction away from the rounded side 608of the spacer 600 so as to form the gap 610 therebetween if a vacuum isnot applied to the cavity 606.

FIG. 7 depicts a sectional perspective view of a spacer assembly 700 inaccordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. The spacerassembly 700 may be positioned between a first sheet 702 and a secondsheet 704. The first sheet 702 and the second sheet 704 may oppose (orface) each other so as to form a cavity 706 therebetween. The firstsheet 702 and/or the second sheet 704 may initially be convex orsubstantially flat. The spacer assembly 700 may be disposed within thecavity 706 formed between the two opposing sheets. In some instances,the spacer assembly 700 may be at least partially transparent. Thespacer assembly 700 may be disposed at any location within the cavity706. In some instances, a vacuum may be applied to the cavity 706.

In certain embodiments, the spacer assembly 700 may include a sheet ofinterconnected spacers. For example, the spacer assembly 700 may includea number of alternating and opposing pyramid-like structures 708. Thatis, some pyramid structures 708 may extend and narrow towards the firstsheet 702, while other pyramid structures may extend and narrow towardsthe second sheet 704. In some instances, the pyramid structures 708 maybe frustums, such as square frustums or the like. In one embodiment, thesheet of pyramid structures 708 may resemble an egg carton. Each of thepyramid structures 708 may form contact points 710. The contact points710 may contact the first sheet 702 or the second sheet 704 depending onthe orientation of the pyramid structure 708. An angled wall 714 mayconnect adjacent contact points 710 to form the pyramid structures 708.That is, the pyramid structures 708 may include a number of angled walls714. In some instances, the angled wall 714 may include at least onehole 715. The at least one hole 715 may enable the passage of airbetween the alternating pyramid structures 708. For example, if a vacuumis applied to the cavity 706, the holes 715 may enable air to travelthroughout the cavity 706.

In some instances, a top portion 716 of the pyramid structures 708 maybe configured to minimize the contact area between the first sheet 702or the second sheet 704. For example, the top portion 716 may include arecessed portion 718. In some instances, only the edge of the topportion 716 may contact the first sheet 702 or the second sheet 704 whena vacuum is applied to the cavity 706. In this manner, the pathwaycreated by the spacer assembly 700 for heat to travel between the firstsheet 702 and the second sheet 704 may be minimized.

The pyramid structures 708 may have any size, shape, or configuration.Any number of the pyramid structures 708 may be used herein. Othercomponents and other configurations may be used herein. The spacerassembly 700 may combine the pyramid structures 708 with other types ofspacers. The pyramid structures 708 may be positioned continuously orintermittently across the sheets.

A cooler assembly including a screen in also disclosed herein. In someinstances, the screen may be configured to provide a heat transferbarrier and/or obstruction. That is, the screen may be configured toprevent and/or substantially reduce heat transfer between the coolerassembly and the surrounding environment. For example, in someinstances, the screen may be positioned between an interior portion ofthe cooler assembly and a door of the cooler assembly. In this manner,the screen may form a layer of separation air between the screen and thedoor, thereby preventing and/or substantially reducing heat transferthrough the door to the surrounding environment. Other technicaladvantages may become apparent throughout the disclosure.

In certain embodiments, the cooler assembly may include a temperaturecontrolled area, such as the interior of the cooler assembly. In someinstances, the cooler assembly may be a beverage cooler located in aretail setting, such as a convenience store, a grocery store, or thelike. Other types of cooler assemblies may also be used herein,including a table top cooler assembly, a walk-in cooler assembly, a freestanding cooler assembly, an integral cooler assembly, a modular coolerassembly, or the like. Moreover, other types of items may be storedwithin the cooler assembly, including perishable items, products,promotional items, or the like. Any item where a temperature controlledsetting is desirable may be stored within the cooler assembly. Inaddition, heating elements may be used herein. That is, the coolerassembly may heat and/or cool items therein.

The cooler assembly also may include a door configured to provide accessto the temperature controlled area. In this manner, the door may beconfigured to be opened and closed. For example, the door may be ahinged door or a sliding door, although other types and styles of doorsmay be used herein. In certain embodiments, the door may be a glassdoor, a plastic door, a polymer door (such as polycarbonate), acombination thereof, or the like. Any transparent materials or otherwisemay be used to construct the door. In this manner, the door may be atleast partially transparent so that a customer can see the contents ofthe temperature controlled area within the cooler assembly when the dooris closed. In some instances, the door may include a handle or the like.A customer may open the door and remove the contents from thetemperature controlled area of the cooler assembly, after which the usermay close the door.

In certain embodiments, the cooler assembly may include a screen. Thescreen may include a stowed configuration and an unstowed (or extended)configuration. For example, when in the unstowed configuration, thescreen may be at least partially positioned between the temperaturecontrolled area and the door. In some instances, the unstowed screen maybe substantially the same size and the same shape as the door. Incertain embodiments, the unstowed screen may form a layer of separationair between the screen and the door, thereby substantially reducing heattransfer through the door to the surrounding environment. Alternatively,or in addition to the layer of separation air, the unstowed screenitself may provide a layer of insulation between the temperaturecontrolled area and the door. The screen may be formed of any suitablematerial that is configured to provide a heat transfer barrier and/orobstruction.

As noted above, the screen may be stowed. For example, the screen may berolled up and/or folded. That is, the screen may be stowed as a roll, asseries of folds, or a combination thereof. In some instances, the screenmay be rolled and thereafter folded, or the screen may be folded andthereafter rolled. The folds may include vertical folds and/orhorizontal folds. Other stowed arrangements are also possible. In someinstances, the screen may be stowed about a top portion of thetemperature controlled area and/or the door, although the screen may bestowed in other locations about the cooler assembly. For example, thescreen may be attached to the temperature controlled area, the door, ora combination thereof when in the stowed configuration or the unstowedconfiguration. Moreover, in certain embodiments, the screen may beremoved and stowed remotely from the cooler assembly. That is, thescreen may be removable.

In some instances, the screen may be substantially transparent. In otherinstances, the screen may be substantially opaque. In certainembodiments, the screen may include indicia thereon (such as advertisingor the like) capable of being seen through the door when the screen isin the unstowed configuration. For example, the screen may include aproduct trademark or the like, although any writing, message,illustration, or otherwise may be disposed on the screen.

A user may open the door of the cooler assembly. The user may thenposition the screen in the unstowed configuration between thetemperature controlled area and the door. For example, the user mayunroll and/or unfold the stowed screen. In some instances, the user mayattach the screen if it is stowed remotely from the cooler assembly.Next, the user may close the door about the temperature controlled area.The unstowed screen may be positioned between the temperature controlledarea and the door such that the door forms a generally hermetic sealwith the temperature controlled area when closed. The unstowed screenmay be configured to provide a heat transfer barrier and/or obstruction,which prevents and/or substantially reduces heat transfer between thecooler assembly and the surrounding environment. Conversely, the usermay open the door to the temperature controlled area, fold and/or rollthe screen into the stowed configuration, and thereafter stow thescreen.

These and other embodiments of the disclosure will be described in moredetail through reference to the accompanying drawings in the detaileddescription that follows. This brief introduction, including sectiontitles and corresponding summaries, is provided for the reader'sconvenience and is not intended to limit the scope of the claims, northe proceeding sections. Furthermore, the techniques described above andbelow may be implemented in a number of ways and in a number ofcontexts. Several example implementations and contexts are provided withreference to the following figures, as described below in more detail.However, the following implementations and contexts are but a few ofmany.

FIGS. 8-17 schematically depict one or more example systems and methodsfor a cooler assembly including a screen in accordance with one or moreembodiments of the disclosure. Specifically, FIG. 8 schematicallydepicts an example embodiment of a cooler assembly 200 as may be usedherein. In certain embodiments, the cooler assembly 200 may include atemperature controlled area 202, such as the interior of the coolerassembly 200. In some instances, the cooler assembly 200 may be abeverage cooler located in a retail setting, such as a conveniencestore, a grocery store, or the like. Other types of cooler assembliesmay also be used herein, including a table top cooler assembly, awalk-in cooler assembly, a free standing cooler assembly, an integralcooler assembly, a modular cooler assembly, or the like. Moreover, othertypes of items may be stored within the cooler assembly 200, includingperishable items, products, promotional items, or the like. Any itemwhere a temperature controlled setting is desirable may be stored withinthe cooler assembly 200. In addition, heating elements may be usedherein. That is, the cooler assembly 200 may heat and/or cool itemstherein.

The cooler assembly 200 also may include a door 204 configured toprovide access to the temperature controlled area 202. In this manner,the door 204 may be configured to be opened and closed. As depicted inFIG. 8, the door 204 is open. The door 204 may be a hinged door or asliding door, although other types and styles of doors may be usedherein. In certain embodiments, the door 204 may be a glass door, aplastic door, a polymer door (such as polycarbonate), a combinationthereof, or the like. Any transparent materials or otherwise may be usedto construct the door 204. In this manner, the door 204 may be at leastpartially transparent so that a customer can see the contents of thetemperature controlled area 202 within the cooler assembly 200 when thedoor 204 is closed. In some instances, the door 204 may include a handleor the like. A customer may open the door 204 and remove the contentsfrom the temperature controlled area 202 of the cooler assembly, afterwhich the user may close the door 204. The door 204 may form a hereticseal with the temperature controlled area 202 when closed. For example,one or more seals 206 may be disposed about a periphery of the door 204and/or the temperature controlled area 202. In some instances, the door204 may include a number of panels attached to a frame. The door 204also may include an access port or the like for accessing the contentsof the temperature controlled area 202 within the cooler assembly 200.

The cooler assembly 200 may include a screen 208. In some instances, thescreen 208 may be positioned between the temperature controlled area 202and the door 204. As depicted in FIG. 8, the screen 208 is in theunstowed (or extended) configuration. For example, the screen 208 mayextend from an upper portion 210 of the cooler assembly 200 to a lowerportion 212 of the cooler assembly 200 or vise versa. In certainembodiments, the screen 208 may be substantially the same size and thesame shape as the door 204 and/or an opening to the temperaturecontrolled area 202. The screen 208 may form a heat transfer barrierand/or obstruction between the temperature controlled area 202 and thedoor 204 when closed. The screen 208 may be any suitable material. Incertain embodiments, the screen 208 may include indicia 205 thereon(such as advertising or the like) capable of being seen through the door204 when the screen 208 is in the unstowed configuration. For example,the screen 208 may include a product trademark or the like, although anywriting, message, illustration, or otherwise may be disposed on thescreen 208. In some instances, the screen 208 may be opaque ortransparent. In an embodiment, the screen 208 may include electronics,such as a flexible LED screen or the like, for conveying advertisementsto the consumers.

FIG. 9 schematically depicts an example embodiment of the screen 208 inthe stowed configuration. For example, the screen 208 may be folded upand positioned about the upper portion 210 of the cooler assembly 200.In this manner, the screen 208 may include a series of horizontal folds214. In some instances, the screen 208 may include one or more verticalfolds in addition to the horizontal folds 214. In some instances, thescreen 208 may be attached to the upper portion 210 of the coolerassembly 200. For example, the screen 208 may be permanently ortemporarily attached by way of a hinge, a screw, a joint, a pivot, ahook-and-loop, etc. Any means may be used to attach the screen 208 tothe cooler assembly 200. Further, the screen 208 may be attached at anylocation about the cooler assembly 200, including the upper portion 210,the bottom portion 212, the sides, the door 204, or the interior of thecooler assembly 200, etc. In some instances, the screen 208 may bestored about the upper portion 210 of the cooler assembly 200 when inthe stowed configuration.

FIG. 10 schematically depicts an example embodiment of the screen 208 ofFIG. 9 in the unstowed (or extended) configuration. For example, thescreen 208 may be unfolded from the upper portion 210 of the coolerassembly 200. In some instances, gravity may maintain the screen 208 inthe unstowed configuration.

FIG. 11 schematically depicts an example embodiment of the screen 208 inthe stowed configuration. For example, the screen 208 may be coupled toa track or other type of device that maintains the screen in the stowedconfiguration (e.g., folded up and positioned about the upper portion210 of the cooler assembly 200) or the unstowed configuration. Thescreen 208 may include a series of horizontal folds 214 and/or verticalfolds. In some instances, in order to move the screen 208 from thestowed configuration to the unstowed configuration, a user may pull thescreen 208 down from the upper portion 210 of the cooler assembly. Inother instances, a mechanical crank or the like may be associated withthe screen 208. In this manner, the user may move the screen 208 betweenthe stowed and unstowed configuration by manipulating the crank. In yetother instances, an electromechanical system may be associated with thescreen 208. For example, the electromechanical system may automaticallydeploy and/or retract the screen 208 at a given time. In some instances,proximity sensors or the like may be associated with theelectromechanical system such that the screen 208 may automatically bedeployed if a consumer is nearby and/or retracted if a consumer is notdetected for a given time.

FIG. 12 schematically depicts an example embodiment of the screen 208 ofFIG. 11 in the unstowed (or extended) configuration. For example, theuser may pull the screen 208 from the upper portion 210 to the lowerportion 212 of the cooler assembly 200, thereby unfolding the screen 208along the track or the like. The screen 208 may be attached to a hook orother device for maintaining the screen 208 in the unstowedconfiguration. Any device may be used to maintain the screen 208 in theunstowed configuration. Moreover, in some instances, the screen 208 maybe pulled across (i.e., side-to-side) the cooler assembly 200. Thescreen 208 also may be deployed and/or retracted by use of the crankand/or electromechanical system discussed above.

FIG. 13 schematically depicts an example embodiment of the screen 208 inthe stowed configuration. For example, the screen 208 may be rolled upand positioned about the upper portion 210 of the cooler assembly 200.In some instances, in order to move the screen 208 from the stowedconfiguration to the unstowed configuration, a user may pull the screen208 down from the upper portion 210 of the cooler assembly. FIG. 14schematically depicts an example embodiment of the screen 208 of FIG. 13in the unstowed (or extended/unrolled) configuration. For example, theuser may pull the screen 208 from the upper portion 210 to the lowerportion 212 of the cooler assembly 200, thereby unrolling the screen208. The screen 208 may be attached to a hook or other device formaintaining the screen 208 in the unstowed configuration. Any device maybe used to maintain the screen 208 in the unstowed configuration.Moreover, in some instances, the screen 208 may be unrolled across(i.e., side-to-side) the cooler assembly 200. The screen 208 also may bedeployed and/or refracted by use of the crank and/or electromechanicalsystem discussed above.

FIG. 15 schematically depicts an example embodiment of the screen 208 inthe unstowed configuration. In certain embodiments, the unstowed screen208 may form a layer of separation air 216 between the screen 208 andthe door 204. The separation air 216 may substantially reduce heattransfer through the door 204 to the surrounding environment.Alternatively, or in addition to the layer of separation air 216, theunstowed screen 208 itself may provide a layer of insulation between thetemperature controlled area 202 and the door 204. In this manner, thescreen 208 may be any suitable material. In some instances, multiplescreens 208 may be used to create multiple barriers.

FIG. 16 schematically depicts an example embodiment of the coolerassembly 200. The screen 208 may be attached at any location about thecooler assembly 200. For example, the screen 208 may be attached to thedoor 204. In other instances, the screen 208 may be attached inside thetemperature controlled area 202. Moreover, in certain embodiments, thescreen 208 may be removable. That is, the screen 208 may be removed andstowed remotely from the cooler assembly 200. In some instances, thescreen 208 may be attached one the outside portion of the door 204.

A user may open the door 204 of the cooler assembly 200. The user maythen position the screen 208 in the unstowed configuration (e.g., asdepicted in FIG. 15) between the temperature controlled area 202 and thedoor 204. For example, the user may unroll (e.g., as depicted in FIG.14) and/or unfold (e.g., as depicted in FIGS. 10 and 12) the stowedscreen 208. In some instances, the user may attach the screen 208 to thecooler assembly 200 if the screen 208 is stowed remotely from the coolerassembly 200. Next, the user may close the door 204 about thetemperature controlled area 202. In this manner, the unstowed screen 208may be at least partially positioned between the temperature controlledarea 202 and the door 204. The unstowed screen 208 may form a layer ofseparation air 216 between the screen 208 and the door 204. Theseparation air 216 may substantially reduce heat transfer through thedoor 204 to the surrounding environment. Moreover, in some instances,the unstowed screen 208 itself may provide a layer of insulation betweenthe temperature controlled area 202 and the door 204. The unstowedscreen 208 may be configured to provide a heat transfer barrier and/orobstruction, which prevents and/or substantially reduces heat transferbetween the cooler assembly 200 and the surrounding environment.

In some instances, the user may remove the screen 208 from between thetemperature controlled area 202 and the door 204 by rolling it up,folding it, and/or detaching it from the cooler assembly 200. The screen208 may be stowed at any location about the cooler assembly 200 orremotely thereof.

FIG. 17 schematically depicts an example embodiment of the screen 208.In certain embodiments, the screen 208 may be made of rigid materials.For example, the screen 208 may be made of one or more boards 218. Theboards 218 may be foam boards, recycled PET boards or other insulatingboards. Any type of substantially rigid insulating board may be usedherein. The boards 218 may be divided into multiple vertically and/orhorizontally divided segments that may be alternately hinged together byway of one or more hinges 220 to promote folding and stacking of thescreen 208. For example, the boards 218 may be hinged together using asheet of paper or other flexible material glued or otherwise affixed toeach segment of the boards 218 in an alternating patter.

Although specific embodiments of the disclosure have been described,numerous other modifications and alternative embodiments are within thescope of the disclosure. For example, any of the functionality describedwith respect to a particular device or component may be performed byanother device or component. Further, while specific devicecharacteristics have been described, embodiments of the disclosure mayrelate to numerous other device characteristics. Further, althoughembodiments have been described in language specific to structuralfeatures and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that thedisclosure is not necessarily limited to the specific features or actsdescribed. Rather, the specific features and acts are disclosed asillustrative forms of implementing the embodiments. Conditionallanguage, such as, among others, “can,” “could,” “might,” or “may,”unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within thecontext as used, is generally intended to convey that certainembodiments could include, while other embodiments may not include,certain features, elements, and/or steps. Thus, such conditionallanguage is not generally intended to imply that features, elements,and/or steps are in any way required for one or more embodiments.

That which is claimed is:
 1. A vacuum insulated door for a coolerassembly, comprising: a frame comprising a first side and a second side;a first pre-formed convex glass sheet positioned about the first side ofthe frame; a second pre-formed convex glass sheet positioned about thesecond side of the frame; a cavity formed between the first pre-formedconvex glass sheet and the second pre-formed convex glass sheet; and avacuum formed within the cavity, wherein the vacuum is configured to atleast partially flatten the first pre-formed convex glass sheet and thesecond pre-formed convex glass sheet into a substantially parallelplanar configuration.
 2. The vacuum insulated door of claim 1, whereinthe frame, the first pre-formed convex glass sheet, and the secondpre-formed convex glass sheet collectively form a hermetic seal aboutthe cavity.
 3. The vacuum insulated door of claim 1, further comprisingat least one access port associated with at least one of the frame, thefirst pre-formed convex glass sheet, the second pre-formed convex glasssheet, or a combination thereof.
 4. The vacuum insulated door of claim3, further comprising a pump in communication with the at least oneaccess port, wherein the pump is configured to create the vacuum withinthe cavity.
 5. The vacuum insulated door of claim 1, further comprisingat least one spacer disposed within the cavity between the firstpre-formed convex glass sheet and the second pre-formed convex glasssheet.
 6. A vacuum insulated panel, comprising: a frame comprising afirst side and a second side; a first convex sheet positioned about thefirst side of the frame; a second convex sheet positioned about thesecond side of the frame; a cavity formed between the first convex sheetand the second convex sheet; and a vacuum formed within the cavity,wherein the vacuum is configured to at least partially flatten the firstconvex sheet and the second convex sheet into a substantially parallelplanar configuration.
 7. The vacuum insulated panel of claim 6, whereinthe first convex sheet and the second convex sheet are pre-formed. 8.The vacuum insulated panel of claim 6, wherein the first convex sheetcomprises at least one of a glass sheet, a plastic sheet, or acombination thereof.
 9. The vacuum insulated panel of claim 6, whereinthe second convex sheet comprises at least one of a glass sheet, aplastic sheet, or a combination thereof.
 10. The vacuum insulated panelof claim 6, wherein the vacuum insulated panel comprises a door of acooler assembly.
 11. The vacuum insulated panel of claim 10, wherein thedoor is at least partially transparent.
 12. The vacuum insulated panelof claim 6, wherein the frame, the first convex sheet, and the secondconvex sheet collectively form a hermetic seal about the cavity.
 13. Thevacuum insulated panel of claim 6, further comprising at least oneaccess port associated with at least one of the frame, the first convexsheet, the second convex sheet, or a combination thereof.
 14. The vacuuminsulated panel of claim 13, further comprising a pump in communicationwith the at least one access port, wherein the pump is configured tocreate the vacuum within the cavity.
 15. The vacuum insulated panel ofclaim 6, further comprising at least one spacer disposed within thecavity between the first convex sheet and the second convex sheet.
 16. Amethod for assembling a vacuum insulated panel, the method comprising:positioning a first pre-formed convex sheet about a first side of aframe; positioning a second pre-formed convex sheet positioned about asecond side of the frame; forming a cavity between the first pre-formedconvex sheet and the second pre-formed convex sheet; forming a vacuumwithin the cavity between the first pre-formed convex sheet and thesecond pre-formed convex sheet; and flattening, at least partially, thefirst pre-formed convex sheet and the second pre-formed convex sheetinto a substantially parallel planar configuration.
 17. The method ofclaim 16, further comprising forming a hermetic seal about the cavity.18. The method of claim 16, further comprising associating at least oneaccess port with at least one of the frame, the first convex sheet, thesecond convex sheet, or a combination thereof.
 19. The method of claim18, further comprising providing a pump in communication with the atleast one access port, wherein the pump is configured to create thevacuum within the cavity.
 20. The method claim 16, further comprisingpositioning at least one spacer within the cavity between the firstpre-formed convex sheet and the second pre-formed convex sheet.
 21. Avacuum insulated door for a cooler assembly, comprising: a first sheet;a second sheet positioned opposite the first sheet; a cavity formedbetween the first sheet and the second sheet; and at least one spacerdisposed within the cavity, wherein the at least one spacer comprises atleast one rounded side.
 22. The vacuum insulated door of claim 21,further comprising a gap formed between the at least one rounded side ofthe spacer and at least one of the first sheet or the second sheet. 23.The vacuum insulated door of claim 21, further comprising a vacuumformed within the cavity.
 24. The vacuum insulated door of claim 21,wherein the at least one rounded side comprises two rounded sides.
 25. Avacuum insulated door for a cooler assembly, comprising: a first sheet;a second sheet positioned opposite the first sheet; a cavity formedbetween the first sheet and the second sheet; and at least one spacerdisposed within the cavity, wherein the at least one spacer comprises aspacer assembly comprising one or more sheets of alternating pyramidstructures, each pyramid structure comprising contact points with thefirst convex sheet and the second convex sheet.
 26. The vacuum insulatedpanel of claim 25, wherein the contact points comprise a recessedportion.
 27. The vacuum insulated panel of claim 25, wherein eachpyramid structure comprise an angled wall between the contact points.